News

01/19/2012

GOVERNOR’S 2012 BUDGET GOOD FOR ORAL HEALTH

The New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) applauds
Governor Cuomo for his efforts to expand the Doctors Across New York program to
include dentists and hygienists, which will greatly improve the oral health of
patients in underserved areas.

NYSDA appreciates Governor Cuomo’s continued efforts to
produce budgets with clarity and recognition of issues beyond just the bottom
line. The budget demonstrates a clear understanding that good oral health is
the foundation to good overall health of New Yorkers.

“One of my personal goals has been to expand the Doctors
Across New York program to include dentists and dental hygienists,” said Dr. Chad Gehani, President of NYSDA. “The Governor’s support of this important
program will enable many more professionals to provide care in underserved
areas and treat a segment of the population that suffers due to geographic and
demographic isolation.”

The 2012 budget maintains and expands the primary care
service corps loan repayment program, which is known as Doctors Across New York
and will provide up to $150,000 in loan repayment (i.e., repayment of
qualified educational debt) for a five-year service obligation in an
underserved area. This program offers a powerful incentive for health
professionals to move to areas typically underserved by the health care
community.

NYSDA continues to be the leader on oral health issues in
New York State. From implementing a mandatory postgraduate year of residency to
requiring dentists to have AEDs in their offices, NYSDA’s efforts promote and
improve oral health for the residents of New York State.

The
New York State Dental Association, founded in 1868, is one of the largest constituents
of the American Dental Association and represents more than 13,000 dentists
practicing in New York State. More information can be found at http://www.nysdental.org/index.cfm